1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 60 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,401 cc (8 cylinders), 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 (180 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 1206 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 (440 Nm) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (166 Nm). This means 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1944 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5401 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 5.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2406 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 55 L |
